Judges 8:14

KJV

And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, [even] threescore and seventeen men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And caught {H3920} a young man {H5288} of the men {H582} of Succoth {H5523}, and enquired {H7592} of him: and he described {H3789} unto him the princes {H8269} of Succoth {H5523}, and the elders {H2205} thereof, even threescore and seventeen {H7657}{H7651} men {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he captured a young man from Sukkot and asked him about the chiefs and leaders of Sukkot; he wrote down for him the names of seventy-seven of them.

Berean Standard Bible

There he captured a young man of Succoth and interrogated him. The young man wrote down for him the names of the seventy-seven leaders and elders of Succoth.

American Standard Version

And he caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and inquired of him: and he described for him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, seventy and seven men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:14 details Gideon's methodical and precise intelligence gathering following his triumphant pursuit of the Midianite kings. Having been refused aid by the Israelite town of Succoth earlier in his campaign, Gideon returns to exact retribution as he had vowed. This verse describes Gideon's capture of a young man from Succoth who, under interrogation, accurately provided the names of the seventy-seven "princes" and "elders"—the local leaders responsible for the town's earlier contemptuous refusal. This act underscores Gideon's unwavering resolve to hold accountable those who had undermined the national effort and disrespected God's chosen deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 8:14 is situated immediately after Gideon's climactic victory over the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, and his long, exhausting pursuit from Karkor back to Succoth. The preceding verses (Judges 8:4-9) establish the critical background: Gideon's 300 men, "faint yet pursuing," had requested bread from Succoth and Penuel. Both towns, out of fear of Midianite retaliation or contempt for Gideon's seemingly weak force, refused assistance. Gideon, incensed by this lack of tribal solidarity and support for a divinely ordained mission, vowed to return and punish their leaders. Verse 14 marks the beginning of the fulfillment of that vow, demonstrating Gideon's meticulous approach to justice before he deals with the captured kings. It transitions the narrative from external conflict with Midian to internal discipline within Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a decentralized tribal society in Israel, often marked by internal strife and a lack of unified leadership, as highlighted by the recurring phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - No King in Israel"). Towns like Succoth and Penuel, located east of the Jordan, might have felt geographically isolated or vulnerable, leading them to prioritize self-preservation over national solidarity. The "princes" (שָׂרִים, *sarim*) and "elders" (זְקֵנִים, *z'qenim*) represented the established local authority, responsible for the town's decisions. Their refusal to provide provisions to an Israelite army engaged in a holy war was not merely a breach of hospitality but a severe act of disloyalty, bordering on treason, against God's people and His appointed deliverer. Gideon's actions reflect the harsh realities and forms of justice prevalent in this era, where public shaming and severe punishment were common for such offenses.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes the **consequences of disloyalty and opposition to God's work**. Succoth's refusal to aid Gideon, God's chosen deliverer, is treated as a serious offense, highlighting that apathy or active obstruction against divine providence will not go unpunished. Secondly, it showcases **Gideon's unwavering resolve and commitment to justice**. Despite his exhaustion, Gideon meticulously pursues accountability, demonstrating that his leadership extends beyond military victory to upholding order and discipline within Israel. Thirdly, the focus on the "princes" and "elders" underscores the **accountability of leadership**. Those in positions of authority bear significant responsibility for the decisions that affect their community, and their choices have far-reaching repercussions, as seen in [Judges 8:7](/judges/8-7 "Judges 8:7 - Gideon's Vow to Succoth"). Finally, the "threescore and seventeen men" highlights **precision in retribution**, indicating that Gideon's justice is not indiscriminate vengeance but a targeted response against specific individuals responsible for the affront. This contrasts with the broader, often more devastating, judgments meted out to foreign enemies, suggesting a different standard for internal Israelite transgressions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Enquired (Hebrew, _sha'al'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁאַל (*sha'al*) means "to ask," "to inquire," or "to demand." In this context, it implies a forceful and purposeful interrogation, not a casual question. Gideon was not merely seeking information but demanding it, likely under duress, to identify those specifically responsible for the insult. This word choice underscores Gideon's determined pursuit of precise intelligence.
* **Described (Hebrew, _katab'_):** The Hebrew verb כָּתַב (*katab*) primarily means "to write" or "to register." While the young man likely did not literally "write" a list, the use of this verb strongly suggests that he gave a precise, detailed, and comprehensive account or listing of the individuals. It conveys the idea of a meticulous identification, as if compiling a formal register, which was crucial for Gideon's targeted retribution. This precision highlights Gideon's methodical approach to justice.
* **Princes...Elders (Hebrew, _sarei...z'qenei'_):** The "princes" (שָׂרִים, *sarim*) were likely military or administrative officials, while the "elders" (זְקֵנִים, *z'qenim*) represented the respected heads of families or clans, forming the traditional governing body of the town. Together, they constituted the civic leadership responsible for the town's decisions. Gideon's specific targeting of these 77 individuals underscores the principle of leadership accountability for collective actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him:"** Gideon, returning from his victory, strategically apprehends a "young man" from Succoth. The choice of a "young man" might imply someone less entrenched in the leadership's decision-making, potentially more easily intimidated or less likely to resist providing information compared to an elder. This act is a deliberate intelligence-gathering maneuver, demonstrating Gideon's resolve to identify the specific individuals responsible for the town's disrespect and refusal of aid.
* **"and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof,"** The young man, under interrogation, provides a detailed and accurate account of the leadership. The verb "described" (כָּתַב) suggests a precise listing, not a vague description. This indicates that Gideon was not seeking to punish the entire town indiscriminately but was focused on holding the specific decision-makers accountable. This precision highlights a form of justice that distinguishes between the general populace and those in authority.
* **"[even] threescore and seventeen men."** The exact number—seventy-seven men—emphasizes the thoroughness of the young man's information and the comprehensive nature of Gideon's target list. This numerical precision adds a sense of factual, almost bureaucratic, exactitude to the impending retribution, reinforcing that Gideon's actions were deliberate and calculated, not arbitrary or impulsive vengeance. It also underscores the significant number of leaders involved in the collective decision to defy Gideon.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the capture and interrogation of the young man explicitly set the stage for the imminent and precise judgment Gideon will execute upon the leaders of Succoth, fulfilling his earlier vow. There is a strong sense of **irony** in that the very leaders who contemptuously refused to aid Gideon are now precisely identified by one of their own townsmen, leading directly to their downfall. This highlights the self-defeating nature of their disloyalty. The narrative also uses **contrast** effectively, juxtaposing Gideon's relentless pursuit of justice and his commitment to the national cause with Succoth's parochial self-interest and lack of support for their deliverer. Finally, the **numerical precision** of "threescore and seventeen men" serves as a powerful rhetorical device, lending an air of factual exactitude and methodical calculation to Gideon's actions, reinforcing that his retribution is targeted and deliberate rather than chaotic or vengeful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:14 profoundly illustrates the principle of accountability, particularly for those in positions of leadership, and the serious consequences of neglecting one's duty to God's people and His appointed work. The refusal of Succoth's leaders to provide aid to Gideon's exhausted army was not merely an act of inhospitable self-preservation but a profound act of disloyalty to the covenant community and a direct affront to God's chosen deliverer. This passage underscores that while God's grace is abundant, there are also real and tangible consequences for opposition, apathy, or active hindrance of His divine purposes. It serves as a stark reminder that choices made in times of crisis, especially by those in authority, carry significant moral and spiritual weight, and ultimately, all will be held to account for their actions and omissions.

* [Deuteronomy 23:3-6](/deuteronomy/23-3 "Deuteronomy 23:3-6 - Exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites")
* [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Wicked and the Righteous")
* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much is Given")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a potent reminder for believers today that our actions, and especially the actions of those in leadership, carry significant weight and have consequences. Just as Succoth's leaders failed to support Gideon, God's chosen instrument, we are called to discern and actively support the work of God in our generation, whether it's through our local church, mission efforts, or ministries that advance the Kingdom. This support often requires sacrifice, courage, and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones, prioritizing the greater good of God's mission over personal convenience or fear. Furthermore, the accountability of the "princes" and "elders" of Succoth speaks directly to the responsibility of leaders in all spheres—spiritual, civic, and familial. Those entrusted with influence and authority are held to a higher standard, and their decisions have a profound impact on the well-being and spiritual trajectory of those they lead. We are challenged to examine our own hearts: are we actively supporting God's work, or are we, like Succoth, withholding what is needed out of fear, apathy, or self-interest?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be withholding support from God's work today, perhaps out of fear or self-interest?**
* **What responsibilities do I bear as a leader (in my family, church, or community), and how am I being held accountable for my decisions?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of discernment to recognize and align myself with God's purposes, even when it requires personal sacrifice?**
* **What are the potential "consequences" (spiritual, relational, or otherwise) of apathy or active opposition to God's will in my life?**

### FAQ

**Why did Gideon target a "young man" specifically to get the information?**

Answer: Gideon's choice to "catch a young man" was likely a strategic and pragmatic decision. A younger individual might have been less entrenched in the political and social power structures of Succoth's leadership, making them potentially more susceptible to interrogation or less inclined to protect the elders who had made the unpopular decision. They might also have been more easily intimidated or simply the most accessible person available at that moment. This highlights Gideon's shrewdness and methodical approach to intelligence gathering, ensuring he obtained the precise information needed to carry out his targeted retribution against the specific leaders responsible.

**Was Gideon's harsh retribution against Succoth's leaders justified from a biblical perspective?**

Answer: From the perspective of the narrative in the book of Judges, Gideon's actions, though harsh by modern standards, are presented as a legitimate act of justice within the context of ancient Israel. The leaders of Succoth had committed a severe offense: they refused aid to an Israelite army, led by God's chosen deliverer, fighting a divinely sanctioned war for the nation's survival. This was seen as a profound act of disloyalty to the covenant community and an affront to God's work. In the period of the Judges, where national unity and loyalty were paramount yet often lacking, such acts of defiance against a divinely appointed leader could not go unpunished. Gideon's retribution, though severe, was specific and targeted at the accountable leadership, reflecting the principle that those in authority bear significant responsibility for their community's actions and face consequences for undermining God's purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Gideon's meticulous pursuit of justice against the disloyal leaders of Succoth, who rejected God's appointed deliverer, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon, faint yet pursuing, sought to bring order and accountability to Israel, so too does Christ, the ultimate Deliverer, come to establish God's righteous rule and bring all things into submission. The refusal of Succoth's leaders to aid Gideon foreshadows the rejection Christ experienced from many of His own people, who refused to acknowledge Him as the Messiah and provide Him with the honor and allegiance due to Him [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"). While Gideon's justice was earthly and punitive, Christ's ultimate judgment will be perfect and final, distinguishing between those who welcomed Him and those who rejected Him [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Sheep and the Goats"). Yet, unlike Gideon's physical retribution, Christ's primary mission was redemptive, offering salvation even to those who rejected Him, calling them to repentance and faith [Luke 24:47](/luke/24-47 "Luke 24:47 - Repentance and Forgiveness"). The accountability of Succoth's leaders serves as a sober reminder that all humanity will one day stand before Christ, the righteous Judge, to give an account for their deeds and their response to His gracious offer of salvation [Romans 14:10-12](/romans/14-10 "Romans 14:10-12 - We Shall All Stand Before the Judgment Seat of God"). In Christ, the themes of justice, accountability, and the consequences of rejecting God's anointed one are perfectly fulfilled, culminating in His future return to judge the living and the dead [Acts 10:42](/acts/10-42 "Acts 10:42 - Jesus, Judge of the Living and the Dead").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.